System and method for communicating telecommunication information between network equipment and a plurality of local loop circuits

ABSTRACT

A system for communicating telecommunication information between a telecommunication switch and multiple local loop circuits includes a telecommunication interface, a data packet service module, an analog service module, and a cross connect. The telecommunication interface receives telecommunication information from a telecommunication switch. The data packet service module receives the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and generates data packets for communicating the telecommunication information in a first mode of operation. The analog signal service module receives the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and generates an analog telephone signal for communicating the telecommunication information in a second mode of operation. The cross connect communicates the analog telephone signal to a selected one of the local loop circuits.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/502,668,filed on Feb. 11, 2000, by Peter J. Renucci, et al. and entitled,“System and Method for Communicating Telecommunication InformationBetween Customer Premises Equipment and Network Equipment,”

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/502,670,filed on Feb. 11, 2000, by Peter J. Renucci, et al. and entitled,“System and Method for Communicating Telecommunication InformationBetween a Telecommunication Switch and Customer Premises Equipment.”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications and,more particularly, to a system and method for communicatingtelecommunication information between network equipment and a pluralityof local loop circuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital subscriber line (DSL) technology was initially deployed toprovide data-only service as a replacement for slower-speed, dial-upmodems. Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive localexchange carriers (CLECs), and other telecommunication providers havebegun to explore offering voice over DSL (VoDSL) service to deliverintegrated voice and data services.

Unfortunately, existing VoDSL networks may not provide the degree ofreliability necessary to enable true integration of telephony and dataservices. A typical VoDSL network requires two basic components: (1) agateway that links the traditional telecommunications network to the DSLnetwork and (2) an integrated access device (IAD), residing at acustomer premises, that multiplexes and processes voice and data trafficbetween the gateway and multiple subscriber lines. If the IAD losespower or if the gateway, IAD, or other network equipment fails, theVoDSL service is terminated. Because of these architectural limitations,existing VoDSL networks do not provide the reliability of traditionaltelephone systems, and as a result, telecommunication providers remainwary of adopting VoDSL service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method forcommunicating telecommunication information between network equipmentand a plurality of local loop circuits is provided that substantiallyeliminates or reduces disadvantages or problems associated withpreviously developed systems and methods.

In one embodiment, a system for communicating telecommunicationinformation between a telecommunication switch and multiple local loopcircuits includes a telecommunication interface, a data packet servicemodule, an analog service module, and a cross connect. Thetelecommunication interface receives telecommunication information froma telecommunication switch. The data packet service module receives thetelecommunication information from the telecommunication interface andgenerates data packets for communicating the telecommunicationinformation in a first mode of operation. The analog signal servicemodule receives the telecommunication information from thetelecommunication interface and generates an analog telephone signal forcommunicating the telecommunication information in a second mode ofoperation. The cross connect communicates the analog telephone signal toa selected one of the local loop circuits.

In another embodiment, a system for communicating telecommunicationinformation between a telecommunication switch and multiple local loopcircuits includes a memory, a telecommunication interface, a data packetservice module, an analog signal service module, and a managementmodule. The memory stores configuration information associatingdestinations with local loop circuits. The telecommunication interfacereceives, from a telecommunication switch, telecommunication informationfor communication to one of the destinations. The data packet servicemodule receives the telecommunication information from thetelecommunication interface and generates data packets for communicatingthe telecommunication information in a first mode of operation. Theanalog signal service module receives the telecommunication informationfrom the telecommunication interface and generates an analog telephonesignal for communicating the telecommunication information in a secondmode of operation. The management module retrieves configurationinformation associating the destination with one of the local loopcircuits and generates control information for communicating the analogtelephone signal to the associated local loop circuit in the second modeof operation.

Technical advantages of the present invention include a system forcommunicating telecommunication information between network equipmentand local loop circuits. The network equipment may communicatetelecommunication information with customer premises equipment usingeither data packets or analog telephone signals. The network equipmentmay offer VoDSL service in a normal mode of operation by communicatingtelecommunication information over a local loop circuit using datapackets. If the network equipment cannot communicate data packets withthe customer premises equipment due to a power loss at the customerpremises, equipment failure, or any other cause, the network equipmentmay provide emergency or lifeline service using a line-powered, analogtelephone signal. A port supporting analog telephone service cancommunicate the analog telephone signal over a selected one of manylocal loop circuits. As a result, an analog signal service module with alimited number of ports can be provisioned to provide emergency orlifeline service to a greater number of customer premises. The followingdescription, figures, and claims further describe the present inventionincluding its features, functions, and technical advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system that communicates telecommunicationinformation between a telecommunication network and customer premisesequipment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the system of FIG. 1, where an analog signal servicemodule is located external from a gateway;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for communicating telecommunicationinformation between network equipment and local loop circuits;

FIG. 4 illustrates a data packet service module that communicatestelecommunication information using data packets;

FIG. 5 illustrates an analog signal service module that communicatestelecommunication information using an analog telephone signal;

FIG. 6 illustrates an analog frame that communicates data packets andanalog signals over local loop circuits;

FIG. 7 illustrates an IAD that communicates telecommunicationinformation between subscriber lines and network equipment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a table of configuration information relating tonetwork equipment and customer premises equipment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between a telecommunication network andsubscriber lines;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between a telecommunication network andcustomer premises equipment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between customer premises equipment andnetwork equipment; and

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between network equipment and local loopcircuits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for communicating telecommunicationinformation between telecommunications network 16 and customer premisesequipment 14 using local loop circuits 18. Telecommunication network 16may be a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a private switchedtelephone network, or any other interconnected collection oftelecommunication switches that provide local, long distance, orinternational telephone service. Telecommunication information includesvoice, data, image, video, or any other type of information that may becommunicated over telecommunication network 16. In a particularembodiment, local loop circuits 18 are twisted pair lines betweennetwork equipment 12 and customer premises equipment 14.

In operation, network equipment 12 and customer premises equipment 14communicate telecommunication information over local loop circuit 18using either data packets or an analog telephone signal. In a normalmode of operation, system 10 may offer VoDSL service by communicatingthe telecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 using datapackets. If customer premises equipment 14 loses VoDSL service due to apower loss at the customer premises, network equipment failure, customerpremises equipment failure, or any other cause, system 10 may provideemergency or lifeline service in a back-up mode of operation bycommunicating the telecommunication information over local loop circuit18 using an analog telephone signal from network equipment 12.

Network equipment 12 communicates telecommunication information betweentelecommunication network 16 and customer premises equipment 14 usinglocal loop circuits 18. Network equipment 12 includes atelecommunication switch 20, a gateway 22, a data switch 24, a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 26, and an analog frame 28.Network equipment 12 may be located in one or more buildings, closets,or other locations. In a particular embodiment, network equipment 12 islocated in a central office, remote terminal, or other telecommunicationsite.

Telecommunication switch 20 communicates telecommunication informationbetween telecommunication network 16 and gateway 22. Telecommunicationswitch 20 may be a class 4 switch, a class 5 switch, or any othersuitable switch for communicating telecommunication information betweentelecommunication network 16 and gateway 22. Telecommunication switch 20and gateway 22 may communicate telecommunication information usingGR-303, TR-8, signal system 7 (SS7), V5, integrated services digitalnetwork (ISDN), unbundled analog lines, or any other suitable interface.

Gateway 22 communicates telecommunication information betweentelecommunication switch 20 and customer premises equipment 14 usingeither data packets or an analog telephone signal. In a normal mode ofoperation, gateway 22 receives telecommunication information from switch20 and generates data packets for communicating the telecommunicationinformation to customer premises equipment 14. Gateway also receivesdata packets communicating telecommunication information from customerpremises equipment 14 and processes the data packets to generatetelecommunication information for communication to switch 20. In aback-up mode of operation, gateway 22 receives telecommunicationinformation from switch 20 and generates an analog telephone signal forcommunicating the telecommunication information to customer premisesequipment 14. Gateway 22 also receives an analog telephone signalcommunicating telecommunication information from customer premisesequipment 14 and processes the analog telephone signal to generatetelecommunication information for communication to switch 20.

Gateway 22 includes a telecommunication interface (TI) 32, a data packetservice module (DPSM) 34, an analog signal service module (ASSM) 36, amanagement module (MM) 38, and a memory (MEM) 39. Telecommunicationinterface 32, data packet service module 34, analog signal servicemodule 36, and management module 38 represent functional elements thatare reasonably self-contained so that each can be designed, constructed,and updated substantially independent of the others. In a particularembodiment, telecommunication interface 32, data packet service module34, analog signal service module 36, and management module 38 areimplemented on separate printed circuit boards that may be coupled to abackplane in gateway 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, a time division multiplexing (TDM) bus 33communicates multiple streams of telecommunication information betweeninterface 32, data packet service module 34, and analog signal servicemodule 36 using a single transmission channel. A clock signal 35 dividesthe single transmission channel into a fixed sequence of time slots, andeach stream of telecommunication information is assigned a differenttime slot in the sequence. A control bus 37 communicates controlinformation between interface 32, data packet service module 34, analogsignal service module 36, and management module 38. Although theparticular embodiment of gateway 22 described with reference to FIG. 1includes two different buses 33 and 37, gateway 22 may use anycombination of dedicated or shared communication paths to communicatetelecommunication information and control information between interface32, data packet service module 34, analog signal service module 36, andmanagement module 38.

Telecommunication interface 32 communicates telecommunicationinformation between switch 20 and data packet service module 34 andanalog signal service module 36. Interface 32 receives telecommunicationinformation from switch 20 and communicates the telecommunicationinformation to data packet service module 34, analog signal servicemodule 36, or both data packet service module 34 and analog signalservice module 36. Interface 32 also receives telecommunicationinformation from data packet service module 34 and analog signal servicemodule 36 and communicates the telecommunication information to switch20. In a particular embodiment, interface 32 communicatestelecommunication information to switch 20, data packet service module34, and analog signal service module 36 according to control informationreceived from management module 38.

Data packet service module 34 communicates telecommunication informationwith customer premises equipment 14 using data packets. Data packetservice module 34 receives telecommunication information from interface32 and generates data packets for communicating the telecommunicationinformation over local loop circuit 18 to customer premises equipment14. Data packet service module 34 also receives data packetscommunicating telecommunication information from customer premisesequipment 14 and processes the data packets to generatetelecommunication information for communication to interface 32. Datapacket service module 34 may communicate the telecommunicationinformation with customer premises equipment 14 using Internet Protocol(IP), X.25, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), or any othersuitable data network protocol.

Analog signal service module 36 communicates telecommunicationinformation with customer premises equipment 14 using an analogtelephone signal. Analog signal service module 36 receivestelecommunication information from interface 32, generates an analogtelephone signal for communicating the telecommunication informationover local loop circuit 18 to customer premises equipment 14, andcommunicates the analog telephone signal to a selected back-up analogline 44. Analog signal service module 36 provides power so that theanalog telephone signal may support line-powered services, such as plainold telephone service (POTS). Analog signal service module 36 alsoreceives, from back-up analog line 44, an analog telephone signalcommunicating telecommunication information from customer premisesequipment 14 and processes the analog telephone signal to generatetelecommunication information for communication to interface 32.Although analog telephone signals have traditionally been used to carryvoice information, they are also capable of communicating other types oftelecommunication information. In a particular embodiment, an analogtelephone signal carries information in a frequency range of 300 to 4000Hz.

Management module 38 manages the operation of gateway 22. Managementmodule 38 selects a mode of operation for each IAD 30 serviced bygateway 22 and stores, in memory 39, configuration informationindicating the selected mode of operation for each IAD 30. In aparticular embodiment, management module 38 determines whether datapacket service module 34 can communicate with LAD 30, selects the normalmode of operation in response to determining that data packet servicemodule 34 can communicate with IAD 30, and selects the back-up mode ofoperation in response to determining that data packet service module 34cannot communicate with IAD 30. For example, data packet service module34 may establish and maintain a virtual circuit with IAD 30 tocommunicate data packets using an ATM protocol. In such an embodiment,management module 38 may determine whether data packet service module 34can communicate with IAD 30 by determining whether data packet servicemodule 34 can establish and maintain a virtual circuit with IAD 30. Ifdata packet service module 34 cannot establish or maintain a virtualcircuit with IAD 30, data packet service module 34 cannot communicatewith IAD 30, and management module 38 selects the back-up mode ofoperation for IAD 30. Although memory 39 appears external frommanagement module 38 in FIG. 1, memory 39 maybe internal to or externalfrom management module 38 or gateway 22 according to particular needs.

Management module 38 also manages the communication of telecommunicationinformation. In a particular embodiment, management module 38 provisions64 kilobits per second (kb/s) time slots in TDM bus 33 to supportcommunication of telecommunication information between telecommunicationinterface 32, data packet service module 34, and analog signal servicemodule 36. Management module 38 provisions a time slot in TDM bus 33 foreach subscriber line 46 serviced by gateway 22 and stores configurationinformation associating the time slots with IADs 30. Provisioning oftime slots may be performed at initialization of gateway 22 to supportfixed time slot assignment or during operation of gateway 22 to supportdynamic time slot assignment. If IAD 30 is in the normal mode ofoperation, data packet service module 24 identifies the time slotsassociated with IAD 30, receives telecommunication information from thetime slots, and generates data packets for communicating thetelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30. IfIAD 30 is in the back-up mode of operation, analog signal service module24 identifies the time slots associated with IAD 30, receivestelecommunication information from a selected one of the time slots, andgenerates an analog telephone signal for communicating thetelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 to customerpremises equipment 14.

In a particular embodiment, management module 38 communicates controlinformation to telecommunication interface 32, data packet servicemodule 34, and analog signal service module 36. If IAD 30 is in thenormal mode of operation, management module 38 instructstelecommunication interface 32 to communicate to data packet servicemodule 34 any telecommunication information received from switch 20 forfurther communication to IAD 30. Management module 38 also instructsdata packet service module 34 to generate data packets for communicatingthe telecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30.If IAD 30 is in the back-up mode of operation, management module 38instructs telecommunication interface 32 to communicate to analog signalservice module 36 any telecommunication information received from switch20 for further communication to IAD 30. Management module 38 alsoinstructs analog signal service module 36 to generate an analogtelephone signal for communicating the telecommunication informationover local loop circuit 18 to customer premises equipment 14.

Although the particular embodiment of gateway 22 described in detailwith reference to FIG. 1 includes telecommunication interface 32, datapacket service module 34, analog signal service module 36, managementmodule 38, and memory 39, gateway 22 may include any combination ofhardware, software, or hardware and software that communicatestelecommunication information using data packets or analog telephonesignals.

One or more data switches 24 communicate data packets containingtelecommunication information between gateway 22 and DSLAM 26. Dataswitches 24 may also communicate data packets between a data network 25and DSLAM 26. Data network 25 may include a wide area network (WAN), alocal area network (LAN), the Internet, or any other interconnectedcollection of switches and routers that provide data services.

DSLAM 26 communicates data packets between data switch 24 and IAD 30using DSL technology. DSLAM 26 receives data packets from data switch24, processes the data packets to generate digital DSL data, andcommunicates the digital DSL data over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30.DSLAM 26 also receives digital DSL data from local loop circuit 18,identifies data packets generated by IAD 30, and communicates the datapackets to data switch 24. Asymmetric DSL (ADSL), integrated DSL (IDSL),symmetric DSL (SDSL), high-data rate DSL (HDSL), rate-adaptive DSL(RADSL), very-high data rate DSL (VDSL), DSL-LITE, or other forms of DSLtechnology allow data transmissions over local loop circuit 18 atgreater speeds than offered by traditional dial-up modems. As a result,system 10 uses DSL technology to support broadband-based,telecommunication services over local loop circuit 18.

Analog frame 28 communicates analog telephone signals between gateway 22and customer premises equipment 14 and communicates digital DSL databetween DSLAM 26 and customer premises equipment 14. Analog frame 28receives analog telephone signals from back-up analog lines 44 anddigital DSL data from DSL lines 42 and communicates the analog telephonesignals and digital DSL data over local loop circuits 18 to IADs 30.Analog frame 28 also receives analog telephone signals and digital DSLdata from local loop circuits 18 and communicates the analog telephonesignals to gateway 22 using back-up analog lines 44 and the digital DSLdata to DSLAM 26 using DSL lines 42.

IAD 30 communicates telecommunication information between networkequipment 12 and subscriber lines 46. Each subscriber line 46 maysupport one or more subscriber devices 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c(collectively, subscriber devices 40). Subscriber devices 40 may includetelephones 40 a, facsimile machines 40 b, computers 40 c, or any othersuitable terminal devices that communicate telecommunication informationwith telecommunication network 16. Subscriber devices 40 may couple tosubscriber lines 46 using wireline, wireless, or any other suitablecommunication paths.

IAD 30 communicates telecommunication information with network equipment12 using either an analog telephone signal or data packets. In a normalmode of operation, IAD 30 receives data packets from local loop circuit18 and processes the data packets to generate analog telephone signalsfor communication to subscriber lines 46. IAD 30 also receives, fromsubscriber lines 46, analog telephone signals communicatingtelecommunication information from subscriber devices 40 and processesthe analog telephone signals to generate data packets for communicatingthe telecommunication information to network equipment 12. In a back-upmode of operation, IAD 30 communicates an analog telephone signalbetween network equipment 12 and at least some of subscriber lines 46.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates telecommunication switch 20, gateway 22,data switch 24, DSLAM 26, and analog frame 28 as separate devices, thepresent invention contemplates that network equipment 12 may include anycombination of one or more devices at one or more locations thatcommunicate telecommunication information between telecommunicationnetwork 16 and IAD 30 using either an analog telephone signal or datapackets. For example, in an alternative embodiment, a single device mayperform the operations associated with gateway 22, data switch 24, DSLAM26, and analog frame 28 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 50 in which analog signal service module 36is located external from gateway 22. A link 54 communicatestelecommunication information and control information between gateway 22and analog signal service module 36. Link 54 may support DS-1, DS-3,OC-1, OC-3, or any other suitable interface. In a particular embodiment,link 54 is a digital interface that allows analog signal service module36 to be located at a distance 56 from gateway 22 that may not besupported by analog lines. Such an embodiment may provide greaterflexibility in installing and maintaining network equipment 12. Forexample, analog signal service module 36 may be located in a separatecloset, room, building, or other location than gateway 22. In addition,modules other than analog signal service module 36 may also be placed indifferent locations external from gateway 22 and communicate withcomponents internal to gateway 22 using TDM bus 33.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 60 for communicating telecommunicationinformation between network equipment 12 and local loop circuits 18. Across connect 62 provides an interface between analog signal servicemodule 36 and analog frame 28. Cross connect 62 includes ports 64 andports 66. Ports 64 couple to ports 68 of analog signal service module36, and ports 66 couple to ports 70 of analog frame 28. Using switches,cross connect 62 can couple ports 64 to selected ports 66. As usedthroughout this description, the term “ports” refers to any physical orvirtual representation of a communication link. Although analog signalservice module 36 is internal to voice gateway 22 in FIG. 3, crossconnect 62 may couple to analog signal service module 36 that is eitherinternal to voice gateway 22 or external from voice gate 22.

Cross connect 62 communicates analog telephone signals between analogsignal service module 36 and selected local loop circuits 18. Memory 39stores configuration information associating each IAD 30 with one oflocal loop circuits 18. When management module 38 selects the back-upmode for one of IADs 30, cross connect 62 couples an available port 68of analog signal service module 36 to local loop circuit 18 associatedwith IAD 30. Management module 38 identifies available port 68 of analogsignal service module 36 and assign port 68 to IAD 30. Management module38 communicates control information to cross connect 62 using controlline 76 and instructs cross connect 62 to couple port 68 to local loopcircuit 18. Cross connect 62 couples port 64 corresponding to port 68 toport 66 corresponding to local loop circuit 18, and as a result, analogsignal service module 36 can communicate an analog telephone signal withIAD 30 over local loop circuit 18.

In a particular embodiment, cross connect 62 allows system 60 tooversubscribe analog signal service module 36 so that analog signalservice module 36 is responsible for providing emergency or lifelineservice for more local loop circuits 18 than analog signal servicemodule 36 has ports 68. In such an embodiment, the number of local loopcircuits 18 exceeds the number of ports 68. Because cross connect 62 cancommunicate analog telephone signals between ports 68 and selected localloop circuits 18, system 60 can support greater than 1:1 concentration.

FIG. 4 illustrates data packet service module 34 that communicatestelecommunication information using data packets. Data packet servicemodule 34 includes interface 100, compression modules 102, packetizationmodules 104, transmission interface modules (TIM) 106, controller 108,and memory 109. In the illustrated embodiment, TDM bus 110 communicatesmultiple streams of telecommunication information between interface 100,compression modules 102, and packetization modules 104 using a singletransmission channel. A clock signal 111 divides the signal transmissionchannel into a fixed sequence of time slots, and each stream oftelecommunication information is assigned a different time slot in thesequence. A data packet bus 112 communicates data packets betweenpacketization module 104 and transmission interface modules 106, and acontrol bus 114 communicates control information between interface 100,compression modules 102, packetization modules 104, transmissioninterface modules 106, and controller 108. Although the particularembodiment of data packet service module 34 described with reference toFIG. 2 includes three different buses 110, 112, and 114, data packetservice module 34 may use any combination of dedicated or sharedcommunication paths to communicate information between interface 100,compression modules 102, packetization modules 104, transmissioninterface modules 106, and controller 108.

Interface 100 provides an interface between data packet service module34 and other components in gateway 22. Interface 100 communicatestelecommunication information between telecommunication interface 32 ofgateway 22 and compression modules 102 and packetization modules 104 ofdata packet service module 34. Interface 100 also communicates controlinformation between management module 38 of gateway 22 and controller108 of data packet service module 34. In a particular embodiment,interface 100 communicates telecommunication information to one ofcompression modules 102 or packetization modules 104 according tocontrol information received from management module 38 or controller108.

Compression modules 102 compress and de-compress telecommunicationinformation communicated between interface 100 and packetization modules104. Compression modules 102 receive telecommunication information frominterface 100, compress the telecommunication information, andcommunicate the compressed telecommunication information topacketization modules 104. Compression modules 102 also receivecompressed telecommunication information from packetization modules 104,de-compress the telecommunication information, and communicate thede-compressed telecommunication information to interface 100.Compression modules 102 may compress and de-compress telecommunicationinformation using G.711, G.722, G.723, G.728, G.729, or any othersuitable compression algorithm. In a particular embodiment, compressionmodules 102 select a compression algorithm according to controlinformation received from controller 108.

Packetization modules 104 process telecommunication informationaccording to data network protocols. Packetization modules 104 receiveeither compressed telecommunication information from compression modules102 or uncompressed telecommunication information from interface 100,encapsulate the telecommunication information in data packets, andcommunicate the data packets to transmission interface modules 106.Packetization modules 104 also receive data packets from transmissioninterface modules 106 and process the data packets to generatetelecommunication information. If the generated telecommunicationinformation is compressed, packetization modules 104 communicate thetelecommunication information to compression modules 102. If thegenerated telecommunication information is uncompressed, packetizationmodules 104 communicate the telecommunication information directly tointerface 100 bypassing compression modules 102. Packetization modules104 may employ Internet Protocol (IP), X.25, Frame Relay, AsynchronousTransfer Mode (ATM), or any other suitable data network protocol. In aparticular embodiment, packetization modules 104 select a protocolaccording to control information received from controller 108.

Transmission interface modules 106 communicate data packets betweenpacketization modules 104 and data switch 24. Transmission interfacemodules 106 may provide a DS1, DS3, OC3, or any other suitable interface41 to data switch 24. In a particular embodiment, transmission interfacemodules 106 communicate data packets to a selected interface 41according to control information received from controller 108.

Controller 108 manages the operation of data packet service module 34.In a particular embodiment, controller 108 stores in memory 109configuration information indicating an appropriate compressionalgorithm, data networking protocol, and transmission interface for eachIAD 30 serviced by data packet service module 34. To communicatetelecommunication information with IAD 30, controller 108 communicatescontrol information to interface 100, compression module 102,packetization module 104, and transmission interface module 106according to the configuration information stored in memory 109. In aparticular embodiment, controller 108 communicates to compression module102 control information indicating an appropriate compression algorithm,communicates to packetization module 104 control information indicatingan appropriate data networking protocol, and communicates totransmission interface module 106 control information indicating anappropriate transmission interface. Although memory 109 appears externalfrom controller 108 in FIG. 4, memory 109 may be internal to or externalfrom controller 108 according to particular needs.

Although the particular embodiment of data packet service module 34described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 includes interface 100,compression modules 102, packetization modules 104, transmissioninterface modules 106, controller 108, and memory 109, data processingservice module 34 may include any combination of hardware, software, orboth hardware and software that communicates telecommunicationinformation using data packets.

FIG. 5 illustrates analog signal service module 36 that communicatestelecommunication information using analog telephone signals. Analogsignal service module 36 receives telecommunication information fromtelecommunication interface 23 of gateway 22, generates analog telephonesignals for communicating the telecommunication information, andcommunicates the analog telephone signals to back-up analog lines 44.Analog signal service module 36 also receives analog telephone signalsfrom back-up analog lines 44 and processes the analog telephone signalsto generate telecommunication information for communication totelecommunication interface 32 of gateway 22. Analog signal servicemodule 36 includes an interface 150, quad subscriber line audio circuits(QSLACs) 152, subscriber line interface circuits (SLICs) 154, acontroller 156, a memory 157, a DC-to-DC converter 158, and a ringgenerator 160.

Interface 150 provides an interface between analog signal service module36 and other modules in gateway 22. Interface 150 communicatestelecommunication information between telecommunication interface 32 ofgateway 22 and QSLACs 152. Interface 150 also communicates controlinformation between management module 38 of gateway 22 and controller156. In the illustrated embodiment, a TDM bus 162 communicates multiplestreams of telecommunication information between interface 150 andQSLACs 152 using a single transmission channel. Clock signal 164 dividesthe single transmission channel into a fixed sequence of time slots, andeach stream of telecommunication information is assigned a differenttime slot in the sequence. In a particular embodiment, TDM bus 162 is a2.048 MHz serial TDM bus that is compatible with industry standardCODECs. Although the particular embodiment of analog signal servicemodule 36 described with reference to FIG. 5 includes TDM bus 162,analog signal service module 36 may use any combination of dedicated orshared communication paths to communicate telecommunication informationbetween interface 150 and QSLACs 152.

QSLACs 152 communicate telecommunication information between interface150 and SLICs 154. QSLACs 152 receive serial digital data from TDM bus162, convert the serial digital data into analog signals, andcommunicate the analog signals to SLICs 154. In a particular embodiment,QSLACs 152 communicate the analog signals to selected SLICs 154according to control information received from controller 156. QSLACs152 also receive analog signals from SLICs 154, convert the analogsignals to serial digital data, and communicate the serial digital datato interface 150 using TDM bus 162. QSLACs 152 are quad programmableCODECs that may include additional integrated features. For example,QSLACs 152 may provide channel filtering, gain/equalization, hybridbalancing, line impedance matching, built-in testing, tone generation,time slot assignments, or any other suitable features.

SLICs 154 communicate analog signals between QSLACs 152 and back-upanalog lines 44. Back-up analog lines 44 are duplex circuits thatsupport independent communication in both directions simultaneously.SLICs 154 perform two wire to four wire conversion between back-upanalog lines 44 and QSLACs 152 to accommodate the duplex signaling.SLICs 154 receive outgoing analog signals from QSLACs 152 and transmitthe outgoing signals to back-up analog lines 44. SLICs 154 also generateincoming analog signals from back-up analog lines 44 and transmit theincoming analog signals to QSLACs 152. SLICs 154 provide power toback-up analog lines 44 and local loop circuit 18. As a result, analogsignal service module 36 may provide emergency or lifelinetelecommunications service to customer premises equipment 14 when thecustomer premises loses power. In addition, SLICs 154 may provideDC-loop feed, line testing, current limit and loop supervision, or othervarious functions.

DC-to-DC converter 158 provides power to analog signal service module36. Specifically, DC-to-DC converter 158 converts the common DC voltage168 received from gateway 22 to the various logic supplies 170 needed topower interface 150, QSLACs 152, SLICs 154, controller 156, and memory157.

Ring generator 160 provides voltages to back-up analog lines 44 togenerate ringing. Ring relay switches 172 couples ring generator 160 toback-up analog lines 44 during active ringing periods according to ringrelay control 174.

Controller 156 manages the operation of analog signal service module 36.Controller 156 stores in memory 157 configuration informationassociating each IAD 30 with one of QSLACs 152 and SLICs 154. Tocommunicate telecommunication information with one of IADs 30,controller 156 identifies QSLAC 152 and SLIC 154 associated with IAD 30in memory 157. Controller 156 instructs interface 150 to communicate thetelecommunication information to QSLAC 152 and instructs QSLAC 152 tocommunicate the analog signal communicating the telecommunication toSLIC 154. Controller 156 also communicates ring relay control 174 toring relay switches 172 to couple ring generator 160 to back-up analoglines 44 during active ringing periods. Although memory 157 appearsexternal from controller 156 in FIG. 5, memory 157 may be internal to orexternal from controller 156 according to particular needs.

Although the particular embodiment of analog signal service module 36described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 includes interface 150,QSLACs 152, SLICs 154, controller 156, memory 157, DC-to-DC converter158, and ring generator 160, analog signal service module 36 may includeany combination of hardware, software, or both hardware and softwarethat communicates telecommunications information using analog telephonesignals.

FIG. 6 illustrates analog frame 28 that communicates data packets andanalog telephone signals over local loop circuits 18. Analog frame 28couples DSL lines 42 and back-up analog lines 44 to local loop circuits18 using high pass filters 102, low pass filters 104, and lineprotection circuits 106. High pass filters 102 isolate digital DSL datacommunicated over DSL lines 42, and low pass filters 104 isolate analogtelephone signals communicated over back-up analog lines 44. Lineprotection circuits 106 provide voltage protection in case of lightningstrikes or AC line cross incidents.

FIG. 7 illustrates IAD 30 that communicates telecommunicationinformation between subscriber lines 46 and network equipment 12 usinglocal loop circuit 18. IAD 30 includes a splitter 152, processing module154, bypass switches 156, and interfaces 158 and 159. In a normal modeof operation, IAD 30 may offer VoDSL service by communicatingtelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 using datapackets. If IAD 30 loses VoDSL service due to a power loss at thecustomer premises, network equipment failure, customer premisesequipment failure, or any other cause, IAD 30 may provide emergency orlifeline service to subscriber lines 46 by communicatingtelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 using an analogtelephone signal that is line-powered from network equipment 12.

Splitter 152 couples local loop circuit 18 to processing module 154 andbypass switches 156. In a particular embodiment, splitter 152 includes ahigh pass filter that isolates digital DSL data for communication toprocessing module 154 and a low pass filter that isolates an analogtelephone signal for communication to bypass switches 156. In analternative embodiment, local loop circuit 18 directly couples toprocessing module 154 and bypass switches 156 without interveningfilters.

Processing module 154 communicates telecommunication information withnetwork equipment 12 using data packets when IAD 30 is in the normalmode of operation. Processing module 154 receives digital DSL data fromlocal loop circuit 18, identifies data packets generated by gateway 22,and processes the data packets to generate analog telephone signalscommunicating telecommunication information. Processing module 154communicates the analog telephone signals to ports 160 according tocontrol information included in the data packets. Processing module 154also receives, from ports 160, analog telephone signals communicatingtelecommunication information from subscriber devices 40. Processingmodule 154 processes the analog telephone signals to generate datapackets for communicating the telecommunication information over localloop circuit 18 to network equipment 12.

Bypass switches 156 communicate analog telephone signals betweeninterfaces 158 and either processing module 154 or local loop circuit18. If IAD 30 is in the normal of operation, bypass switch control 162includes a threshold current, and bypass switches 156 couple interfaces158 to processing module 154. If IAD 30 is in the back-up mode ofoperation, bypass switch control 162 does not include a thresholdcurrent, and bypass switches 156 couple interfaces 158 to local loopcircuit 18 using splitter 152. Because bypass switches 156 couple everyinterface 158 to local loop circuit 18, when IAD 30 receives a telephonecall for one of subscriber lines 46, IAD 30 will communicate the call toall subscriber lines 46 coupled to interfaces 158. Thus, subscriberlines 46 coupled to interfaces 158 operate as a party line while inback-up mode. Bypass switches 156 may be solid state switches,mechanical bypass relays, or any other suitable device that providesselective coupling between interfaces 158 and either processing module154 or local loop circuit 18.

In a particular embodiment, IAD 30 operates in the normal mode ifprocessing module 154 has power and in the back-up mode if processingmodule 154 does not have power. If processing module 154 has power,processing module 154 provides a threshold current to bypass switches156 using bypass switch control 162, and bypass switches 156 coupleinterfaces 158 to processing module 154. As a result, IAD 30 may offerVoDSL service to subscriber lines 46 by communicating telecommunicationinformation over local loop circuit 18 using data packets. In the eventof a power loss, processing module 154 does not provide a thresholdcurrent to bypass switches 156, and bypass switches 156 assume theirunpowered state to couple interfaces 158 to local loop circuit 18. As aresult, emergency or lifeline service may be provided to at least someof subscriber devices 40 when power is lost at the customer premises.

In a particular embodiment, processing module 154 determines whether itcan communicate with network equipment 12 using data packets, selectsthe normal mode of operation in response to determining that it cancommunicate with network equipment 12, and selects the back-up mode ofoperation in response to determining that it cannot communicate withnetwork equipment 12. For example, processing module 154 may establishand maintain a virtual circuit with gateway 22 to communicate datapackets using an ATM protocol. In such an embodiment, processing module154 may determine whether it can communicate with gateway 22 bydetermining whether it can maintain a virtual circuit between itself andgateway 22. If processing module 154 cannot maintain a virtual circuit,then processing module 154 cannot communicate with gateway 22 at networkequipment 12. As a result, processing module 154 selects the back-upmode of operation by not providing a threshold current to backup relays156.

Although the particular embodiment of IAD 30 described in detail withreference to FIG. 7 includes splitter 152, processing module 154, bypassswitches 156, and interfaces 158 and 159 within a single device, IAD 30may include any combination of one or more devices that communicatetelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 using datapackets or an analog telephone signal. For example, in an alternativeembodiment, IAD 30 may include processing module 154, and bypassswitches 156 may be one or more external devices. External bypassswitches 156 may be used with any standard IADs to provide emergency orlifeline service in the event of a power loss at the customer premises.Such an embodiment may provide greater flexibility, for example whenupgrading IAD technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a table 170 that includes configuration informationrelating to network equipment 12 and customer premises equipment 14.Management module 38 may store the configuration information in memory39 using arrays, link lists, pointers, or any other suitable dataprogramming techniques. In addition, all or a portion of table 170 maybe maintained in memory 109 of data packet service module 34, memory 157of analog signal service module 36, or any other component of system 10.

Table 170 includes columns 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, and 184. Column172 identifies subscriber lines 46 serviced by gateway 22. In theillustrated embodiment, the subscriber line identifiers are telephonenumbers. Using IAD identifiers, column 174 associates each subscriberline identifier in column 172 with one of IADs 30. Column 176 indicateswhether each IAD 30 in column 174 is operating in the normal mode or thebackup mode. Using local loop circuit identifiers, column 178 associateseach IAD 30 in column 174 with one of local loop circuits 18. Using timeslot identifiers, column 180 associates each subscriber line identifierin column 172 with a time slot in TDM bus 33. Using address identifiers,column 182 associates each subscriber line identifier in column 172 witha data network address. Column 184 indicates whether each subscriberline 46 identified in column 172 is active. Although table 170 usesdecimal numbers to identify subscriber lines 46, IADs 30, local loopcircuits 18, time slots, and data network addresses, management module38 may use any combination of numbers, letters, symbols, addresses, orany other suitable information as identifiers.

Management module 38 uses the configuration information in table 170 tomanage the operation of gateway 22. For example, when data packetservice module 34 cannot communicate data packets with one of IADs 30,management module 38 identifies IAD 30 in column 174 and changes itsassociated IAD status in column 176 to indicate that IAD 30 is in theback-up mode. In addition, management module 38 may identify local loopcircuit 18 associated with IAD 30 in column 178 and communicates controlinformation to cross connect 62 to couple an available port 68 of analogsignal service module 34 to local loop circuit 18.

Gateway 22 also uses the configuration information in table 170 tocommunicate telecommunication information to customer premises equipment14. When gateway 22 receives telecommunication information forcommunication to one of subscriber lines 46, gateway 22 identifies IAD30 servicing subscriber line 46 using columns 172 and 174. Gateway 22determines whether IAD 30 is in the normal model or the back-up modeusing column 176.

If IAD 30 is in the normal mode, gateway 22 determines whethersubscriber line 46 is active using column 184. If subscriber line 46 isactive, gateway 22 communicates to switch 20 status informationindicting that subscriber line 46 is busy. If subscriber line 46 is notactive, interface 32 identifies the time slot associated with subscriberline 46 using column 180 and communicates the received telecommunicationinformation to data packet service module 34 using the identified timeslot. Data packet service module 34 identifies the data network addressassociated with subscriber line 46 using column 182 and generates datapackets with the identified address for communicating thetelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30.

If IAD 30 is in the back-up mode, gateway 22 determines whether anysubscriber line 46 serviced by IAD 30 is active according to column 184.If any subscriber line 46 is active, gateway 22 communicates to switch20 status information indicating that subscriber line 46 is busy. Ifnone of subscriber lines 46 are active, interface 32 identifies the timeslot associated with subscriber line 46 using column 180 andcommunicates the received telecommunication information to analog signalservice module 36 using the identified time slot. As described above,analog signal service module generates an analog telephone signal forcommunicating the telecommunications information and communicates theanalog telephone signal to available port 68. Cross connect 62communicates the analog telephone signal from port 68 to local loopcircuit 18.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between telecommunication network 16 andsubscriber lines 46. The method begins at step 200, where IAD 30 maylose power. If IAD 30 loses power at step 200 or if gateway 22 and IAD30 cannot communicate data packets with one another at step 202, thenthe method continues at step 234. If IAD 30 has power at step 200 and ifgateway 22 and IAD 30 can communicate data packets with one another atstep 202, then the method continues at step 204. Bypass switches 156couple subscriber lines 46 to processing module 154 at step 204, and themethod continues by simultaneously or in series, as appropriate,performing steps 206-216 and 220-230.

Steps 206-216 communicate telecommunication information fromtelecommunication switch 20 to subscriber lines 46. Gateway 22 receivestelecommunication information from telecommunication switch 20 at step206, generates data packets containing the telecommunication informationat step 208, and communicates the data packets to DSLAM 26 using dataswitch 24 at step 210. DSLAM 26 communicates the data packets over localloop circuit 18 to IAD 30 using DSL technology at step 212. IAD 30processes the data packets to generate analog telephone signals at step214 and communicates the analog telephone signals to subscriber lines 46at step 216.

Steps 220-230 communicate telecommunication information from subscriberlines 46 to telecommunication switch 20. IAD 30 receives analogtelephone signals communicating telecommunication information fromsubscriber lines 46 at step 220, processes the analog telephone signalsto generate data packets containing the telecommunication information atstep 222, and communicates the data packets over local loop circuit 18to DSLAM 26 using digital subscriber line technology at step 224. DSLAM26 communicates the data packets to gateway 22 using data switch 24 atstep 226. Gateway 22 processes the data packets to generatetelecommunication information at step 228 and communicates thetelecommunication information to telecommunication switch 20 at step230.

At step 234, bypass switch 156 couples subscriber lines 46 to local loopcircuit 18. The method continues by simultaneously or in series, asappropriate, performing steps 236-242 and steps 244-250.

Steps 236-242 communicate telecommunication information fromtelecommunication switch 20 to subscriber lines 46. Gateway 22 receivestelecommunication information from telecommunication switch 20 at step236, generates an analog telephone signal communicating thetelecommunication information at 238, and communicates the analogtelephone signal over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30 at step 240. IAD30 communicates the analog telephone signal from local loop circuit 18to subscriber lines 46 at step 242.

Steps 244-250 communicate telecommunication information from subscriberlines 46 to telecommunication switch 20. IAD 30 receives an analogtelephone signal communicating telecommunication information fromsubscriber lines 46 at step 244 and communicates the analog telephonesignal to gateway 22 using local loop circuit 18 at step 246. Gateway 22processes the analog telephone signal to generate telecommunicationinformation at step 248 and communicates the telecommunicationinformation to telecommunication switch 20 at step 250. After steps236-242 and steps 244-250, the method returns to step 200.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a flow chart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between telecommunication network 16 andcustomer premises equipment 14. The method begins at step 300, wheregateway 22 may receive configuration information associating asubscriber line 46 with an IAD 30, a data network address, and/or aback-up analog line 44. If gateway 22 does not receive configurationinformation, the method continues at step 310. If gateway 22 receivesconfiguration information, gateway 22 stores the configuration at step302 and attempts to establish data packet communication with IAD 30 atstep 304. If gateway 22 establishes data packet communication with IAD30, gateway 22 stores configuration information selecting the normalmode of operation for IAD 30 at step 306. If gateway 22 cannot establishdata packet communication with IAD 30, gateway 22 stores configurationinformation selecting the back-up mode of operation for IAD 30 at step308.

At step 310, gateway 22 may lose data packet communication with one ofIADs 30. If gateway 22 loses data packet communication with one of IADs30, gateway 22 stores configuration information selecting the back-upmode for IAD 30 at step 312.

Gateway 22 may receive, from switch 20, telecommunication informationfor communication to one of subscriber lines 46 at step 314. If gateway22 does not receive telecommunication information for communication tosubscriber line 46, the method returns to step 300. If gateway 22receives telecommunication information for communication to subscriberline 46, gateway 22 determines whether IAD 30 servicing subscriber line46 is in the normal mode of operation at step 316. If IAD 30 is not inthe normal mode, the method continues at step 324. If IAD 30 is in thenormal mode, gateway 22 determines whether subscriber line 46 is activeat step 318. If subscriber line 46 is active, gateway 22 communicates toswitch 20 status information indicating that subscriber line 46 is busyat step 326, and the method continues at step 300. If the subscriberline is not active, gateway 22 identifies the data network addressassociated with subscriber line 46 at step 320 and generates datapackets for communicating the telecommunication information over localloop circuit 18 to IAD 30 at step 322. The method continues at step 300.

At step 324, gateway 22 determines whether any subscriber line 46serviced by IAD 30 is active. If any subscriber line 46 is active,gateway 22 communicates to switch 20 status information indicating thatsubscriber line 46 is busy at step 326, and the method continues at step300. If none of subscriber lines 46 are active, gateway 22 identifiesback-up analog line 44 associated with subscriber line 46 at step 328and generates an analog telephone signal for communicatingtelecommunication information over local loop circuit 18 to IAD 30 atstep 330. The method continues at step 300.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between customer premises equipment 14 andnetwork equipment 12. The method begins at step 400, where IAD 30 maylose power. If IAD 30 loses power, IAD 30 selects a back-up mode ofoperation at step 406, and the method continues at step 412. At step404, IAD 30 determines whether it can communicate with gateway 22 usingdata packets. If IAD 30 cannot communicate with gateway 22 using datapackets, IAD 30 selects the back-up mode of operation at step 406, andthe method continues at step 412. If IAD 30 can communicate with gateway22 using data packets, IAD 30 selects the normal mode of operation atstep 408.

At step 412, IAD 30 may receive an analog telephone signal communicatingtelecommunication information from subscriber line 46. If IAD 30 doesnot receive an analog telephone signal, the method returns to step 400.If IAD 30 receives an analog telephone signal at step 412 and is in anormal mode of operation at step 414, IAD 30 processes the analogtelephone signal to generate data packets for communicating thetelecommunication information at step 416 and communicates the datapackets over local loop circuit 18 using a digital subscriber line atstep 418. If IAD 30 receives an analog telephone signal at step 412 andis not in a normal mode of operation at step 414, IAD 30 communicatesthe analog telephone signal over local loop circuit 18 at step 420. Themethod continues at step 400.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flowchart of a method of communicatingtelecommunication information between network equipment 12 and localloop circuits 18. The method begins at step 500, where gateway 22 mayreceive configuration information associating a subscriber line 46 withan IAD 30, a data network address, and/or a local loop circuit 18. Ifgateway 22 does not receive configuration information, the methodcontinues at step 510. If gateway 22 receives configuration information,gateway 22 stores the configuration information at step 502 and attemptsto establish data packet communication with IAD 30 at step 504. Ifgateway 22 establishes data packet communication with IAD 30, gateway 22stores configuration information selecting the normal mode of operationfor IAD 30 at step 506. If gateway 22 cannot establish data packetcommunication with IAD 30, gateway 22 stores configuration informationselecting the back-up mode of operation for IAD 30 at step 508.

At step 510, gateway 22 may lose data packet communication with one ofIADs 30 serviced by gateway 22. If gateway 22 does not lose data packetcommunication with one of IADs 30, the method continues at step 518. Ifgateway 22 loses data packet communication with one of IADs 30, gateway22 stores configuration information selecting the back-up mode ofoperation for IAD 30 at step 512. Gateway 22 assigns an available port68 of analog signal service module 36 to IAD 30 at step 514. Gateway 22couples analog port 68 to local loop circuit 18 associated with IAD 30using cross connect 62 at step 516.

At step 518, gateway 22 may receive, from switch 20, telecommunicationinformation for communication to one of subscriber lines 46. If gateway22 does not receive telecommunication information for communication tosubscriber line 46, the method continues at step 500. If gateway 22receives telecommunication information for communication to subscriberline 46, gateway 22 determines whether IAD 30 servicing subscriber line46 is in the normal mode of operation at step 520. If IAD 30 is not inthe normal mode, the method continues at step 528. If IAD 30 is in thenormal mode, gateway 22 determines whether subscriber line 46 is activeat step 522. If subscriber line 46 is active, gateway 22 communicates toswitch 20 status information indicating that subscriber line 46 is busyat step 530, and the method continues at step 500. If subscriber line 46is not active, gateway 22 identifies the data network address associatedwith subscriber line 46 at step 524 and generates data packets forcommunicating the telecommunication information over local loop circuit18 to IAD 30 at step 526. The method continues at step 500.

At step 528, gateway 22 determines whether any subscriber line 46serviced by IAD 30 is active. If any subscriber line 46 is active,gateway 22 communicates to switch 20 status information indicating thatsubscriber line 46 is busy at step 530, and the method continues at step500. If none of subscriber lines 46 are active, gateway 22 generates ananalog telephone signal for communicating telecommunication informationat step 532 and communicates the analog telephone signal to analog port68 assigned to IAD 30 at step 534. The method continues at step 500.

Although the present invention has been described with severalembodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations,transformations, modifications may be suggested to one skilled in theart, and it is intended that the present invention encompass suchchanges, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications asfall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for communicating telecommunication information between a telecommunication switch and a plurality of local loop circuits, comprising: a telecommunication interface operable to receive telecommunication information from the telecommunication switch; a data packet service module operable to receive the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and to generate data packets for communicating the telecommunication information in a first mode of operation; an analog signal service module operable to receive the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and to generate an analog telephone signal for communicating the telecommunication information in a second mode of operation; and a cross connect operable to communicate the analog telephone signal to a selected one of the local loop circuits.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the analog signal service module includes a plurality of ports for communicating analog telephone signals; and the cross connect communicates the analog telephone signals from the ports to select local loop circuits to allow a greater than 1:1 concentration between the local loop circuits and the ports.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cross connect comprises: a plurality of first ports operable to communicate analog telephone signals with the analog signal service module; a plurality of second ports operable to communicate analog telephone signals with subscriber devices using the local loop circuits; and a switch operable to couple a selected first port to a selected second port.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein a number of first ports is less than a number of second ports.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a memory operable to store configuration information associating each of a plurality of destinations with one of the local loop circuits; and a management module operable to determine a destination for the telecommunication information, to retrieve configuration information associating the destination with one of the local loop circuits, and to generate the control information for communicating the analog telephone signal to the associated local loop circuit in the second mode of operation.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the destination is an integrated access device (IAD) servicing a plurality of subscriber lines using the associated local loop circuit.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a management module operable to: determine whether the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets; select the first mode of operation in response to determining that the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets; and select the second mode of operation in response to determining that the data packet service module cannot communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the management module determines that the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets if the data packet service module can maintain a virtual circuit between itself and an integrated access device (IAD).
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the telecommunication information is voice information; and the analog telephone signals is a voice signal.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the analog signal service module remotely couples to the telecommunication interface using a digital interface.
 11. A system for communicating telecommunication information between telecommunication switch and a plurality of local loop circuits, comprising: a memory operable to store configuration information associating each of a plurality of destinations with one of the local loop circuits; a telecommunication interface operable to receive, from the telecommunication switch, telecommunication information for communication to one of the destinations; a data packet service module operable to receive the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and to generate data packets for communicating the telecommunication information in a first mode of operation; an analog signal service module operable to receive the telecommunication information from the telecommunication interface and to generate an analog telephone signal for communicating the telecommunication information in a second mode of operation; and a management module operable to retrieve configuration information associating the destination with one of the local loop circuits and to generate control information for communicating the analog telephone signal to the associated local loop circuit in the second mode of operation.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the destination is an integrated access device (IAD) servicing a plurality of subscriber lines using the associated local loop circuit.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the analog signal service module includes a plurality of ports for communicating analog telephone signals; and the management module generates control information to communicate the analog telephone signals from the ports to select local loop circuits to allow a greater than 1:1 concentration between the local loop circuits and the ports.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the management module is further operable to: determine whether the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets; select the first mode of operation in response to determining that the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets; and select the second mode of operation in response to determining that the data packet service module cannot communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the management module determines that the data packet service module can communicate the telecommunication information using the data packets if the data packet service module can maintain a virtual circuit between itself and an integrated access device (IAD).
 16. The system of claim 11, further comprising a cross connect operable to receive the control information and to communicate the analog telephone signal to the associated local loop circuit according to the control information.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the cross connect comprises: a plurality of first ports operable to communicate analog telephone signals with the analog signal service module; a plurality of second ports operable to communicate analog telephone signals with subscriber devices using the local loop circuits; and a switch operable to couple a selected first port to a selected second port according to the control information.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein a number of first ports is less that a number of second ports.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein: the telecommunication information is voice information; and the analog telephone signals is a voice signal.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein: the analog signal service module remotely couples to the telecommunication interface using a digital interface.
 21. A method of communicating telecommunication information between telecommunication switch and a plurality of local loop circuits, comprising: receiving first telecommunication information for communication to a destination; generating data packets for communicating the telecommunication information to the destination; receiving second telecommunication information for communication to the destination; determining that data packets cannot be communicated to the destination; generating an analog telephone signal for communicating the second telecommunication information to the destination; and selecting one of plurality of ports for communicating the analog telephone signal to a local loop circuit servicing the destination.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the destination is an integrated access device (IAD) servicing a plurality of subscriber lines using an associated local loop circuit.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the number of ports is less than the number of local loop circuits.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein determining that data packets cannot be communicated to the destination further comprises determining that a virtual circuit cannot be maintained between a gateway and the destination.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein: the telecommunication information is voice information; and the analog telephone signals is a voice signal. 